Scotland defender Russell Martin isn’t holding out much hope
ahead of Belgium’s visit to Hampden Park tomorrow and he
expects the Belgian ‘Golden Generation’ to be a major force in
forthcoming major tournaments.

With a host of huge names to
choose from including new Manchester United signing Marouane
Fellaini and Aston Villa hitman Christian Benteke to name two,
Belgium have built a side with masses of potential and
currently looking certain in the
Unibet betting odds to
qualify for the World Cup from Group A. For Martin, Belgium’s
riches on the field are all down to hard work and preparation.
“It’s their golden generation coming through. It’s no
coincidence, they work extremely hard on their youth set-up.
It’s about identity as a nation and they’ve got that,” the
Norwich man said.

Scotland’s trip to Belgium
earlier in the qualifying campaign ended in a 2-0 defeat and
saw Craig Levein relieved of his duties as the Tartan Army’s
2014 World Cup dreams ended. Russell Martin was an unused
substitute that night but from the sidelines he saw what
Belgium were capable of and he expects them to be amongst the
favourites for the World Cup next year. “If you are looking
at the World Cup – if they qualify from this group, which I’m
sure they will – they will be right up there. And in the Euros
after that they are going to be a force,” the 27 year old
said.

Whilst it is difficult to argue
with Martin’s assessment of Belgium’s chances, Scotland fans
must surely hope to see one of the Premier League stars
speaking a little more highly of his own team rather than
worrying about the opposition. If Scotland are to have any
chances of overcoming the odds and taking anything from
tomorrow night’s game then they must be much more positive on
the field. If they go into the game in awe of their opposition
then they will come away with nothing and another miserable
night could be on the cards in Glasgow.